Porn fears for kids of 3
They’re able to access web on mobiles without parental supervision, says study
THE effect of pornography on children should be investigated amid concerns those as young as three have unsupervised access to the internet.
Technology means it is easier than ever for youths to access sexual images and videos.
Some Scots aged only three have tablets or smartphones – and some access the internet without parental supervision, a Scottish Government report warns.
Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf has called for a public health response to tackle harmful sexual behaviour and is considering recommendations from the report’s authors, the Expert Group on Preventing Sexual Offending Involving Children and Young People.
The group urged ministers to target preventative action at boys and young men, as most adolescents displaying harmful sexual behaviours are male.
The report notes the ‘growing concern that viewing adult pornography can have an impact on young people’s sexual behaviour, especially young people under the age of 13’.
UK-wide, ‘children are more likely than not to have seen online pornography’ by the age of 15, UK-wide figures suggest.
During a visit to HM Young Offenders’ Institute Polmont, the expert group were told that young men ‘received information regarding sex from online pornography; however, this was often inaccurate and not reflective of real life’.
The report recommends a review into the ‘impact of access to pornography in childhood’.
Solicitor General Alison Di Rollo, QC, established the expert group in 2018 with then justice secretary Michael Matheson.
She said: ‘In my 30 years’ experience as a prosecutor I have too often seen the devastating effect sexual offending in young people can have. There needs to be changes in societal attitudes, awareness and behaviours to reduce this type of harm and prevent children coming into contact with the criminal justice system.’
Yesterday, Mr Yousaf visited Preston Lodge High School in Prestonpans, East Lothian, to observe a lesson given by Rape Crisis Scotland’s national sexual violence prevention programme.
He said: ‘Facing up to sexual harm caused by children and young people is difficult, emotive and often troubling but, as a society, we cannot shy away if we are to tackle its causes.
‘Scotland’s success in reducing violent crime among young people offers a blueprint for challenging underlying attitudes and changing behaviours.
‘These issues are complex and require collaborative working between statutory authorities and professional disciplines – the justice sector cannot fix this alone.
‘There is a duty for all adults – parents, neighbours, policy makers – to respond to this challenge and do everything we can to keep our younger generation safe.’